A brutal climb to Pointe du Bouchet in Savoie
France, europe
5.6 km
3,229 m
moderate
Year-round
# Pointe du Bouchet
Perched at a breathtaking 3,229 meters (10,593 feet) above sea level, Pointe du Bouchet is one of Europe's highest mountain roads, sitting pretty in the Savoie department of southeastern France. You'll find this beauty nestled within the stunning Vanoise National Park in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Here's the real deal: this isn't your typical paved highway. The road to the summit is a chairlift access route carved straight into the mountainside—completely unpaved, naturally rugged, and totally authentic. Starting from Plan-Bouchet, you're looking at a challenging 5.6 km (3.47 miles) climb with a serious 818-meter elevation gain. That translates to an average gradient of 14.60%, so yeah, it's steep. Pack your mountain driving skills.
Winter? Forget about it. This route is completely blocked by heavy snow for months on end, making it a serious seasonal affair. But during the warmer months, it offers an unforgettable Alpine adventure through some of the most dramatic scenery the Massif de la Vanoise has to offer. If you're chasing that true high-altitude mountain experience—literally and figuratively—this is your road.
Where is it?
A brutal climb to Pointe du Bouchet in Savoie is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 47.0687, 2.0688
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 5.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 3,229 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 47.0687, 2.0688
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Luzzone Lake?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, buckle up, adventurers! We're heading to Luzzone Lake, a seriously stunning reservoir nestled high in the Swiss Alps. We're talking way up there, above sea level! You'll find this gem tucked away in the Blenio Valley, in the southern part of the country. Now, getting there is part of the adventure. The road is paved, but be prepared for some seriously steep climbs. And keep your eyes peeled – this area is known for the potential of rock avalanches! You'll be gaining some major elevation as you climb, so get ready for those hairpin turns. Is it worth it? Absolutely! The views are epic, plus you can check out the crazy-tall climbing wall built right onto the dam itself! For a bonus, explore the nearby Lago di Luzzone tunnel. And for the truly adventurous, there's a mule track beyond the reservoir that leads up to the Scaletta Pass. This is what road trip dreams are made of!
hardRoad trip guide: Conquering Steingrimsfjörðurheiði pass
🇮🇸 Iceland
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Iceland's Westfjords on Route 61 (aka Djúpavegur), and you hit Steingrimsfjörðurheiði pass. This fully paved beauty climbs to 440 meters (1,443 feet) and it's a real treat, connecting Vestjarðavegur (Road 60) to Ísafjörður. The road stretches for 249 km (155 miles) and has a parking lot at the summit, making it a perfect spot to soak in the views. The drive is steep in places, with gradients hitting 9%, but nothing your car can't handle. Just a heads-up: this is Iceland, so weather can change in a heartbeat. Fog can roll in and winter storms are not uncommon so keep an eye on the forecast. During winter, snow clearance runs from 11:00 to 19:00 daily but high winds might cause closure. Regardless, the scenery is absolutely worth it!
moderateIs the Vilyui Highway paved?
🌍 Russia
Okay, picture this: you're smack-dab in the middle of the Siberian wilderness, craving a real adventure. Then you find the Vilyui Highway! This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The Vilyui Highway is a mix of pavement and gravel that stretches through some seriously remote territory. You *can* do it in a normal car, but be warned: after a good rain, even a monster truck might think twice. Why "Vilyui"? Because you'll be paralleling and crisscrossing the Vilyui River the whole time! Prepare for multiple ferry crossings to make it across the mighty river! The journey begins in Yakutsk, the diamond capital, and winds its way to the remote town of Mirny. You'll pass some stunning scenery, guaranteed, but keep your eyes peeled!
moderateA paved border road to Qafa e Morines in the Albanian mountains
🇦🇱 Albania
Okay, buckle up, adventure seekers! Today we're talking about Qafa e Morinës, an international mountain pass straddling the border between Albania and Kosovo. This isn't just any border crossing; it's a high-altitude highway sitting pretty at 563 meters (1,847 feet) above sea level. This scenic route connects the Gjakova District in western Kosovo with Kukës County in northern Albania, offering a gateway to the Albanian mountains. The entire 18.2-kilometer (11.30 miles) stretch is paved, so no need for a monster truck! Just follow the M9-1 in Kosovo and the SH-22 once you hit Albania. The road snakes its way from Ponoshec (Kosovo) to Bajram Curri (Albania), nestled in the Gjakova Highlands. Get ready for some views!